Fed-up off-licence workers have turned detective in a bid to stop adults buying booze for under-age drinkers.

Staff at Bottoms Up, in Colchester High Street, have been plagued by teens who recruit over-18s to buy their supplies.

Boss Gavin Harris told fellow licensees at Wednesday night's Pub Watch meeting: "Lately we have not had so many under-age customers coming in, but we've had a problem with people buying for minors.

"When we are suspicious, we sell it to the person, and then follow them outside the shop and take it back."

Police licencing officer Mick Aitchison commended Mr Harris' actions.

He said: "You could not ask a shop to do more. Nuisance youths cause problems like this everywhere."

Published Friday, January 28, 2005

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